A state House budget committee has rejected an expansion of Medicaid in Michigan.
As we hear from The Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta, the expansion would add thousands of people to the program.
450,000 people, to be more specific. The money would come to the state under the new federal healthcare law, if the Legislature agrees to accept it.
Governor Rick Snyder called for the expansion in his new budget proposal. Snyder says he remains optimistic that Michigan will take the money and expand Medicaid.
“…because it’s best for Michigan citizens," he says. "It’s about really helping people in need and it saves us money if, when it’s done right. And we will do it right here in Michigan. We’ve got a good track record.”
Some Republicans in the Legislature say they don’t trust the federal government to keep its promise to fund the expanded program. Other Republicans say they want to see some changes to Medicaid before they’ll support it.